Borderline Personality Treatment at Youth-Link

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by intense emotions, unstable relationships, an unclear or shifting sense of self, and impulsive behaviors. Individuals with BPD often struggle with fears of abandonment, rapid mood swings, and difficulty regulating their emotions. This can lead to challenges in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and day-to-day functioning.

Types of Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is not officially divided into different types in diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5. However, some mental health professionals use subtypes to describe variations in how symptoms may manifest in individuals. These subtypes are based on observable behaviors and underlying traits and are more descriptive than diagnostic. Commonly referenced subtypes include:
 

1. Discouraged Borderline: Characterized by dependent behavior, feelings of insecurity, and a fear of abandonment. Individuals may appear clingy or overly compliant and often struggle with internalized anger.

2. Impulsive Borderline: Features high impulsivity, risk-taking behaviors, and an increased tendency to seek stimulation. Individuals may engage in reckless actions and struggle with emotional regulation, often acting without considering consequences.

3. Petulant Borderline: This type involves irritability, defiance, and difficulty managing anger. Individuals may feel unappreciated and easily frustrated, leading to episodes of lashing out or aggressive behavior.

4. Self-Destructive Borderline: Marked by self-harm, risky behaviors, and feelings of deep guilt or worthlessness. Individuals may engage in actions that are harmful to themselves and struggle significantly with depressive symptoms.
    

These subtypes help to describe the different ways BPD symptoms can manifest, but it is important to remember that each person's experience with BPD is unique and may include features from multiple subtypes.

Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder

• Fear of Abandonment: Intense fear of being abandoned or left alone, leading to frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined separation.

• Unstable Relationships: Patterns of intense and unstable relationships, often alternating between extreme idealization and devaluation.

• Unclear or Shifting Self-Image: An unstable sense of self, leading to sudden changes in identity, values, or goals.

• Impulsivity: Engaging in risky or self-damaging behaviors, such as substance abuse, reckless spending, or binge eating.

• Emotional Instability: Rapid mood swings, with intense episodes of anger, depression, or anxiety that may last only a few hours or days.

• Chronic Feelings of Emptiness: A persistent feeling of emptiness or boredom.

• Inappropriate Anger: Difficulty controlling anger, leading to frequent outbursts or physical fights.

• Paranoia or Dissociation: Stress-related paranoia or feeling disconnected from oneself (dissociation), particularly during times of stress.